Sacrifice and courage are often mentioned as two primary qualities of our founding fathers. Faced with the prospect of having their rights and freedoms squashed by the British, they fought back. The odds were very much stacked against them but through sacrifice and courage they persevered. Another equally important quality was a positive attitude. Though the challenges were many, including an outnumbered army, inadequate equipment and weapons and disorganization, the trait that made the difference was a positive attitude; an attitude that life would be better if they could master the courage to face the obstacles brought by each new day. It was important that they keep a positive attitude toward sacrifice and remember that the freedom they were fighting for was worth it.

Today, Americans face many of the same challenges. The war on terror seems overwhelming and natural disasters have taken their toll on fellow citizens. Moral values that provided the structures that make our country great are under attack. Closer to home we have been in the midst of a drought for several years and we have seen a decrease in the population base in western Kansas . There is plenty to be concerned about and many challenges are before us. As our forefathers demonstrated with sacrifice and courage, there is no mountain too high and no challenge too great. The willingness to sacrifice and the courage to keep battling comes by having a positive attitude.

Local attorney, Dave Rebein, President of the Kansas Bar Association, in a recent article challenges us to take a look at our civic responsibilities. Do you know what is contained in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights? Have we forgotten the sacrifices our forefathers made for us? Are we willing to sacrifice? Are we willing to vote?

There are those that choose to look at the negative side of life. It is easy to focus on the challenges and cast blame on others for all of the problems. This way of thinking is not for me and, for the most part, not for Western Kansans . I have seen a resurrection of people with a positive vision for southwest Kansas . I am happy to be part of this group. I am amazed at the petty things some people focus on and how they forget or ignore the positives that surround them. Some of my focus has been working to achieve a positive business climate for southwest Kansas , helping our youth be involved with the community and lending a helping hand to parents who struggle with Autistic or PKU children. I feel privileged to work with groups looking for solutions to everyday challenges and striving to improve life in southwest Kansas . There are those who do not seek solutions, cannot look past the obstacles and who diminish the success of others. They become nitpicky and try to spoil the positive experiences of others. I challenge you to find the courage to be a positive thinker.

I am very pleased to work with the Ford County Development Corporation and the Dodge City Chamber of Commerce on some exciting projects in Ford County and Dodge City . The two entities do a lot of behind the scenes work for this community. Most businesses, community events, recruiting activities (both public and private) depend on the Chamber and Development Corporation for help. I ask that you support them financially and by volunteering your time. They report that the interest level in Ford County is at an all time high. Now that’s something to be positive about!

Our community has many jewels. One that we take for granted is Dodge City Round Up. Not the weed killer but the group that puts on “The Greatest Show on Dirt”, the Dodge City Days Rodeo. Year after year it is recognized as one of the finest rodeos in the nation. The folks that volunteer, year after year, are true examples of what sacrifice, courage and a positive attitude can achieve. Hats off to Dr. Trotter and all the people involved in Dodge City Round-Up for making Dodge City and southwest Kansas a better place to live.

The school year has begun and it’s a busy time for administrators, educators and staff. We are blessed to have many loyal employees in our education systems in Ford County , both public and private. I would like to personally thank these long time employees for their efforts in providing quality education to our children. I would also like to welcome those that are new to our education system and southwest Kansas . You are joining a great team. Congratulations to Alan Cunningham the new Superintendent of USD 443. Alan and his family have been involved with USD 443 and Dodge City for a number of years. It is indeed a “positive” to have someone with his qualifications, as well as his positive attitude to lead the Dodge City Public Schools. Alan, along with the USD 443 school board, will provide a positive path for our children to follow.

Remember courage, sacrifice and a positive attitude will allow us to achieve greatness. Let us not forget the sacrifices given freely by our forefathers. Together we have the strength and courage to overcome the challenges that are set before us personally, as a community and as a nation. By concentrating on the positive and having a positive attitude, we will remain home of the free and brave. President Kennedy’s words are as true today as they were in 1961, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country”.

It is a privilege to serve as your Representative in Topeka . Please contact me via email (george@house.state.KS.US) with any questions, concerns or suggestions. DeleteReplyForwardSpamMove... Previous | Next | Search Results Save Message Text | Full Headers

Sincerely yours,

Pat George
Representative for the 119th District
State of Kansas
House of Representatives